Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa,the chief guest and keynote speaker at the event stated that Uganda has taken a comprehensive analysis following the launch of the energy plan early this year. According to the Minister, this plan will enable planning of Uganda’s energy systems, ensuring that populations have universal access to clean energy. ‘’ the strategy plan will provide the ground work for integrating energy as a resource for economic trade and security.’’-stated Nankabirwa.

During the event, Ms Irene Bateese-  Permanent Secretary -Ministry of Energy and mineral development highlighted that over 5 billion Uganda shillings will be needed to transition Uganda’s energy needs. Projecting that as the country moves towards exploration of nuclear energy, this plan will get uganda to 24,000 mega watts in the short term and 54,000 mega watts by 2040 which will account for a 20% reduction in terms of compliance.

”Once in full effect , the plan looks at deploying cleaner technology to ensure a low carbon emission economy. This plan will be executed by the government of Uganda ,through the ministry of Energy and Mineral development in partnership with the international energy Agency.” she added.

Mr. Bob Kazungu the national REDD+ Focal point at Ministry of Water and Environment  appreciated the government for putting in place the necessary legal frameworks for providing transition guidelines. He noted that Uganda as a country is now in a stronger position now that there is acclimate change act and a climate change advisory committee.

Mr. James cooper –Head of organization – Environmental products Mercuria drummed for the country to sight beyond technological initiatives intended to directly decarbonize Uganda’s oil and gas projects. Indicating that UNOC together with its joint venture partners Total Energies EP Uganda also plan to offset their emissions through implementation of nature based solutions.

According to James, initiatives by the climate resilience alliance is intended to enhance the performance of natural eco-systems to facilitate efficient carbon sequestration.’’ Our attention will be directed towards support to enhance conservation of existing forest cover and wetlands.

Dr. Micheal Nkambo, Mugerwa,-General Manager at Uganda Refinary Holdings company subsidiary of UNOC ,recognized that noble undertakings can only be realized through congregation of various partners, to collaboratively develop a sustainable response to climate change risks and impact, placing particular emphasis on mitigation measures and adaption .

Dr. Mary Akurut the Chief, Safety, Health and Environment officer at UEGCL, said they partnered with the National Forestry Authority to plant over 40,000 indigenous trees within the reservoir at Isimba Hydropower Plant. Covering an estimated land area of 100/450 Ha. ‘’Our plan is to liaise with ACR to reforest the rest of the reservoir land, not just Isimba, but Karuma, Muzizi, Nyagak, and Maziba.‘’ assured Mary. This she said was part of UEGCL commitment to support net zero carbon emissions attributed to Uganda’s Oil and Gas Projects.